Fr. Robert Bolser, CSV

It was a bittersweet farewell in January, 2016, when Fr. Bob Bolser, CSV, left the St. Thomas More Catholic Community in Henderson, NV, to return to the Viatorian Province Center in Arlington Heights.

He had served as a popular associate pastor at the parish in suburban Las Vegas that takes in more than 6,000 families. With his proficiency in Spanish — honed during his years teaching at Colegio San Viator in Bogotá — and upbeat approach to ministry he became a beloved member of the pastoral staff.

Still, returning to live in retirement with his confreres has its perks. For starters, Fr. Bolser is reunited with his brother, Fr. Charles Bolser, CSV, who also moved back in December. The two have not lived in the same residence for more than 50 years, when they were in formation and attending Loyola University.

Bob Bolser, foreground, with his brother, Charles Bolser, during formation in the 1960s

Fr. Bob says his transition is going well. He can be seen walking the hallways — from one end of the building to the other — to get his exercise, and he is searching out art supplies, to take up his hobby of painting.

“Each of my assignments in ministry has been a gift,” Fr. Bob said on the 50th anniversary of religious life, “that has helped me grow in faith.”